Your most humble Servant Council wishes to extend our prayers, love and support to all of our siblings who are affected directly, or have family and friends directly affected by the raging fires of LA and surrounding areas, losing everything, and maybe the ultimate tragedy of loved ones lost. We may have friends or family who are front line responders. We may have friends and family who are part of behind the scene support teams. We may have friends or family who are active pastoral care providers. Please know that our hearts are with you. As a Franciscan family we grieve deeply this catastrophic loss of life (human and creatures great and small). We grieve the burnt, parched and smoldering landscape of Mother Earth. And yet in our grief we know to cling to our Faith and conviction that, as caregivers of the Earth and all there in, from the ash we will rise, rebuild and replenish, heal and be healers!
Let us pray: Holy One of healing and mercy, we come before you with our hearts filled with grief as we see the devastation from the LA and surrounding area fires.
We pray that your presence would be felt by those who are grieving, who are injured, who have lost their homes and livelihoods.
We pray for wisdom and safety for those who are responding to the people in need and the many challenges left in the wake of this event.
We pray for our siblings who live in California and/or have family and friends who are touched in some way by this devastating fire that continues its path of destruction, that we as Franciscans and caregivers of this planet be a witness to your compassion and care for all who suffer.
Almighty One, you are our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. For this we give you thanks and ask that you hear our prayers for the people directly affected, the response teams and medical personnel who are on the front lines and in the background. For all these things we pray…..Lord hear our prayers.
Peace and Prayers Always-Your Humble Servant Council